Barrels & Roots
Welcome to Barrels & Roots, a journey through the world of wine and food, where every vineyard, kitchen, and cellar holds a story worth telling. Hosted by Sean Trace, this show explores the passion, tradition, and creativity that turn simple ingredients into art and shared moments into legacy.
From the heart of Napa Valley to the tables and tasting rooms of the world, Sean sits down with winemakers, chefs, and artisans who live by their craft. Each conversation dives into the culture, the community, and the human stories that give flavor to what we create and share.
Whether you are a sommelier, a chef, a storyteller, or someone who simply loves the ritual of a good meal and a better conversation, Barrels & Roots invites you to slow down, listen closely, and taste the stories that connect us all.
Barrels & Roots
Analog Wine Era | Barrels and Roots | Michael Kennedy
In this episode of Barrels and Roots I sit down with Michael Kennedy, the sommelier turned founder of Fresh Wine Group, to talk about why wine still matters in a world that is moving faster and more digital every day.
We get into his journey from dreaming about the CIA to building small production wineries in Napa Valley, Tuscany, Bordeaux and Oregon, and how old world culture, long dinners and real hospitality shaped the way he makes and shares wine. We compare the live to eat culture of Europe and Vietnam with the eat to live grind in the U.S., dig into why Gen Z is craving more analog experiences like film cameras and authentic bottles with a real story, and unpack how wine is basically history, climate, family and place in a glass. Michael breaks down the insane amount of decisions that go into one bottle, talks about building a tiny Tuscan hotel focused on making guests feel truly seen, and explains why American Zinfandel might be the most slept on wine style in the country right now.
If you love wine, slow living, Napa Valley roots, or you are just curious why small, authentic producers are the future of the wine world, this conversation is one you will want to sip on.